Uncommon Wisdom

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. – Psalms 19:7 (NIV)

Most of us have heard the euphemism “Common sense isn’t so common.” We laugh or snicker, but the truth of the saying pricks just a bit. As a culture, we share the same sensibilities with our neighbors less and less. We have become diverse not just in the characteristics closer to the surface of who we are, but deep down in the core.

Cultures go through these eras of tumult and transition and they are rarely without difficulty. In theUSAwe have gone through our share – the Revolution, the Civil War, the Civil Rights movement – where combating groups held their sensibilities to those which were common. Christians took their stance on both sides of all these issues, so even we did not hold things in common all the time.

There is something common for all of us. We can take our opinions or feelings and use them to define reality, to determine what is true. Maturity is no longer allowing our weaknesses to define the world around us, but to allow the truth of God’s word to define the way we see ourselves and the world. His law is perfect and allows us to see things perfectly, but we must see the world through that lens.

We need to begin this with our children before they are increasingly exposed to the worldliness around them. We need to expose them to the truths of God well before they are inundated with the lies of the world. This means that we and our children will be at odds with our culture, even at odds with our family and neighbors. The hope is that standing our ground will turn others to look at that perfect law.

Lord, help us to live according to Your word and not according to our will. Help me to increase in wisdom and knowledge of Your statutes. May my children be prepared to meet the foolishness of the world with Your wisdom. Amen.